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Pianist and composer Bob Schlesinger unveils his highly anticipated debut album as a leader, Falling From Earth. A project that began in 2018 and was nearly sidelined by the pandemic, the album now emerges as a fully realized statement featuring an all-star lineup: legendary guitarist Mike Stern, former Bill Evans bassist Eddie Gomez, in-demand drummer Billy Drummond, and many more.
Originally recorded in two sessions—at Sear Sound in New York City and Coupe Studios in Boulder—Schlesinger’s album was initially scheduled for a release concert at Dazzle in April, 2020. However, as the world came to a standstill, he seized the opportunity to reevaluate and refine the material alongside engineer-producer John March. The result is an album that captures both the raw spontaneity of the sessions and a meticulous post-production process reminiscent of Miles Davis and Teo Macero’s groundbreaking work on Bitches Brew.
Falling From Earth showcases Schlesinger’s compositional prowess and deep musical connections, blending four original compositions, four Stern-penned pieces, an epic co-written improvisation, and thoughtfully curated covers. The sonic landscape ranges from the intimacy of a jazz trio to the fiery energy of an electric quartet, weaving together elements of modern jazz, fusion, and post-bop.
Schlesinger’s connection to Stern stems from years of inspiration drawn from the guitarist’s legendary 55 Bar performances in New York City. Their collaboration flourished in the studio, producing standout tracks like the soaring ballad “Common Ground” and the high-energy fusion jam “Bait Tone Blues.”
Bassist Eddie Gomez, a jazz luminary with deep ties to the Bill Evans legacy, first crossed paths with Schlesinger in 2009 during a Dazzle tribute to his mentor, Denver pianist Ted Alexander. That musical bond eventually led to a grant from Pathways to Jazz, which helped fund this recording.
Album highlights include the expansive 13-minute opener “Easy Offramp,” inspired by themes of mortality and transformation, Stern’s lyrical “Wing and a Prayer,” and Schlesinger’s deeply grooving “Left Field.” The trio’s heartfelt interpretation of Thad Jones’ “A Child Is Born” and a gospel-infused take on Bob Dylan's "It's Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” further demonstrate the album’s stylistic breadth and emotional depth.
For Schlesinger, releasing his debut as a leader at 68 carries profound significance. “In a world obsessed with youth and overnight success, there’s something to be said for creating art well into one’s third act,” he reflects. Falling From Earth is a testament to perseverance, artistic growth, and the enduring power of collaboration.
About Bob Schlesinger
Throughout his career, Boulder-based pianist Bob Schlesinger has been a sideman with many well-known Colorado artists, including a three-decade collaboration with local legend Hazel Miller, as well as performing with singer Robert Johnson in various jazz, blues, and R&B settings. Schlesinger also collaborated with vocalist Lynn Skinner, with whom he toured, and has performed with blues artists Lionel Young and Erica Brown, among many others. Schlesinger fronted the jazz band Rebop in the 1980s and co-led Tsunami in the 1990s, as well as the jazz funk quartet Purple Squirrel from 2012 to 2017. As a freelance musician, Schlesinger has supported himself by playing a wide range of gigs in various styles, including jazz, blues, funk, rock, reggae, and salsa. He was in the house band at the legendary Ready Room in Denver. Cleo Parker Robinson hired Schlesinger for the pit for her holiday show, “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum.” As a composer, Schlesinger wrote music for theater and film, and was staff composer at the Community College of Denver Theater Department.
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